Ricardo Rivera

Ricardo was born in Puerto Rico and was raised in New York City, where he lived until his first grandson was born in 2014. His move to Lakeland meant being able to be closer to his family, but it also meant starting a new business venture. He expanded Dynamic Security to Central FL and has been developing his client base for the last two years. Ricardo is determined to place high importance on his clients, but also lives by the phrase, “No one lays on their death bed wishing that they spent more time in the office.”

What is your business? We offer security as a service through physical security technology, access control, and surveillance + intrusion detection.

What inspired you to become an entrepreneur? I’ve had the entrepreneurial spirit since I began shoveling sidewalks in Brooklyn at 10 years old and was highly motivated by my grandfathers who were entrepreneurs.

Something interesting? I am fluent in Spanish, which is great because the majority of my current clients are US companies with offices located in Latin America!

Business win? I mentioned at a meeting that I speak fluent Spanish to one person and that has led to about 60% of my current business.

What are your short term goals? To establish clients locally in Florida.

Why Lakeland? To be near my grandson, Landen.

Favorite things to do in Lakeland? Eat at the many great places in Lakeland! Circle B Bar Reserve – I highly recommend the tram tour. Books-a-million and the Lakeland Public Library – I’m a huge reader.

What would you like to see in Lakeland? Arabic food!

How has Catapult helped you? It has made me feel at home. I quickly met people who gave me “the lay of the land.” I can collaborate here; it’s very refreshing.

Secret Sauce? We write custom code for our customers’ systems. Every project is tailored to that specific customer and nothing is “out of the box.”